David Simcock wants rain to aid Desert Encounter's King George bid

Tue 25 Jul 2017

David Simcock is keeping his fingers crossed testing conditions prevail at Ascot on Saturday to give Desert Encounter the best chance of causing an upset in the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes.

The five-year-old is a general 20-1 shot for the prestigious contest having produced a career-best performance to finish third on his Group One debut in the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown at the start of the month.

Simcock said: "It's been the owner's plan for a while.

"I'd love it if it came up soft as it would inconvenience a few of the others and we know he goes through it."

The King George received a significant potential boost over the weekend after connections of dual Oaks heroine Enable gave the filly the option of taking on the boys for the first time.

While Simcock respects John Gosden's charge, he questioned whether she will be at her best just a fortnight after her latest Classic triumph at the Curragh.

"We all like to see good horses run in races like this. John Gosden did it with Taghrooda and Enable is fast-improving," Simcock told At The Races.

"If I played devil's advocate, is it a bit too close to the Irish Oaks? We'll see."